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| in all GC events at the local, regional and national level. | | in all GC events at the local, regional and national level. |
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− | The Panel Pledge is a commitment taken by public sector panelists, facilitators and event organizers to affirm their commitment to diversity, inclusivity and Anti-Racism and anti-discrimination. Upholders of the Pledge will ensure they only support events whose speakers, moderators and facilitators are representative of the true diversity of Canada. The Panel Pledge is in response to the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion] and in support of the areas of focus of [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/topics/blueprint-2020-public-service-renewal.html Beyond 2020] to promote the representation of systemically marginalized and underrepresented groups. | + | The Panel Pledge is a commitment taken by public sector panelists, facilitators and event organizers to affirm their commitment to diversity, inclusivity and Anti-Racism and anti-discrimination. Upholders of the Pledge will ensure they only support events whose speakers, moderators and facilitators are representative of the true diversity of Canada. The Panel Pledge aims to promote the representation of systemically marginalized and underrepresented groups in response to the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Clerk’s Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion] and in support of the areas of focus of [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/topics/blueprint-2020-public-service-renewal.html Beyond 2020] and the [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/programs/appointments/governor-council-appointments/performance-management/dm-commitments.html 2020/2021 Deputy Minister Commitments on Diversity and Inclusion] |
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| '''History''' | | '''History''' |
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| In taking the #'''GCPanelPledge''', one commits to: | | In taking the #'''GCPanelPledge''', one commits to: |
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− | * Requesting confirmation of other panelists / speakers / participants, and reserving the right to decline participation in events where Indigenous Employees, Black Employees and Racialized Employees, 2SLGBTQIA+ Employees, Persons with a Disability and Women are excluded. | + | * Requesting confirmation of other panelists / speakers / participants, and reserving the right to decline participation in events where Indigenous Employees, Black Employees and Racialized Employees, 2SLGBTQIA+ Employees, Persons with a Disability and Women are excluded |
| * Refusing to participate in homogenous panels. If they do choose to participate, they commit to noting the lack of balance on the panel and highlighting the panel pledge | | * Refusing to participate in homogenous panels. If they do choose to participate, they commit to noting the lack of balance on the panel and highlighting the panel pledge |
| * Asking event organizers what they are doing to ensure diversity at their events | | * Asking event organizers what they are doing to ensure diversity at their events |
| + | * Offering names of underrepresented persons from within your network |
| * Promoting employment equity, diversity, inclusion, equality and Anti-Racism in their own organizations | | * Promoting employment equity, diversity, inclusion, equality and Anti-Racism in their own organizations |
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| Aside from the Speakers List, Event organizers can also connect with one of the many [[GC Diversity Networks - Réseaux de la-diversité-du GC|GC Diversity Networks]] that operate across the Government of Canada in order to select a panelist from a diverse background. | | Aside from the Speakers List, Event organizers can also connect with one of the many [[GC Diversity Networks - Réseaux de la-diversité-du GC|GC Diversity Networks]] that operate across the Government of Canada in order to select a panelist from a diverse background. |
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| + | '''Important Considerations:''' |
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| + | '''Tokenism:''' Speakers do not want to be viewed as tokens or check marks. Event organizers should ensure there is real diversity in their events. Multiple panelists must be from diverse groups to ensure there is real representation and their event doesn't only have one token participant from an underrepresented group. |
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| + | '''Event Planning Considerations:''' Please respecting cultural factors when planning events by: |
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| + | * ensuring that they do not conflict with religious and cultural holidays |
| + | * respecting dietary restrictions (for example, halal, kosher, vegetarian) |
| + | * ensuring that the location is physically accessible and comfortable for all (for example, it is scent-free and has no inappropriate imagery) |
| + | * subsidizing the cost to ensure that no cultural, economic or other barriers to participation exist |
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| + | '''Frequently Asked Questions:''' |
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| + | ''Does this mean that you cannot have white males at your panel events?'' |
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| + | No it just means that overall given the events to put on the overwhelming majority of panelists should be from underrepresented groups considering their representation in the general population. |
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| + | ''Does this mean all underrepresented groups must be reflected in all panels?'' |
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| + | No. Sometimes panels will consist of only two people. It is impossible to represent every marginalized group in every panel. Instead the aim is to strive to ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in virtual and in person events that feature public servants. |
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| + | '''Benefits of the Panel Pledge''' |
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| + | * Can be used to connect event organizers with networks from equity or equity seeking groups. |
| + | * Would increase diversity, inclusion and Anti-Racism within the public service |
| + | * Can connect regional talent with event organizers, removing barriers and breaking down silos. |
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| + | In the words of the Clerk of the Privy Council in his [https://www.canada.ca/en/privy-council/corporate/clerk/call-to-action-anti-racism-equity-inclusion-federal-public-service.html Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion]… |
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| + | “We must encourage and support the voices that have long been marginalized in our organizations. We must create opportunities where they have long been absent. We must take direct, practical actions to invoke change. This is a true test of leadership, and one we must meet head on. '''Now'''.” |